Your basement is unique. Because it's unique, finishing it might cost more or less than average. We have to start with that. The purpose of this post is to give you a ballpark idea of what it might cost to finish your unique basement. Fair enough?
It's probably going to cost around $70-$85 per square foot.
There are a lot of variables that can drive the price up or down.
If you're putting in a bathroom downstairs that will add anywhere between $10 and $20 per square foot. Of course the materials you select will be a big factor. For example, if you go with a fiberglass tub over a custom shower pan, you stand to save anywhere between $1,000 - $2,000.
If you're wanting to add a wet bar or a basic kitchenette, it will add between $10 and $20 per square foot. The biggest reason that a bathroom or a wet bar drive the price up is the cost of running plumbing.
Flooring is also a major consideration
If you carpet the whole basement versus putting LVP in the common areas you might save $2 - $3 per square foot.
We try to dissuade folks from putting tile anywhere outside the bathroom because of the seismic movement that we get here in Colorado. That movement is the reason that floating walls are code for basements here. Your tile will eventually crack from that movement, it's only a matter of when.
You can do it cheaper
There's always a cheaper way of doing things. You can find a discount contractor or do it yourself. But if you value your mental health, time, safety and/or your family relationships you'll want to hire a trusted contractor. Just ask someone who tried to finish their basement on the cheap.
We try to make the project as stress free as possible in three ways...
- We guarantee we'll never go over budget on a project.
- We promise to be out of your house by the deadline.
- We have a 5 year warranty on all materials and labor.
Smaller Basements Cost More Per Square Foot
If your basement is 400 square feet, it will probably cost more per square foot compared to a 1,000 square foot basement. That's because finishing a basement involves fixed costs that don't change that much for a smaller basement. Some examples of these fixed costs are skilled tradesmen (electrician, plumber, HVAC, etc.), prep time, and clean up time. You do save some on materials with a smaller basement but your cost per square foot often ends up higher in comparison to an average sized basement.
Your real cost depends on what you want
We're genuinely happy to provide you with an accurate custom estimate specific to your basement and what you want so you can know what to expect. Our estimates are always free and we never try to "close" you. Our estimates are different from other contractor's in that we guarantee NEVER to go over the estimate (unless you change the scope of work).
To schedule a HOMEfix estimate appointment go here.
